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The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of several cards designed to help you build your credit. Whether you're just establishing your profile or looking to repair damaged credit, you may find yourself unable to qualify for the big-name credit cards that earn lucrative rewards. With no minimum credit score, no annual fee, and pre-approval without a hard credit pull, the Capital One Secured Card card can be a pathway to better credit and future rewards.
Similar to the unsecured version of this card (the Capital One Platinum Credit Card), the Capital One Secured Card has no annual or hidden fees. It's geared towards those with limited or bad credit; this card differs from the unsecured version in that it requires a security deposit to serve as collateral for the account.
If you need to build or rebuild your credit, responsible use of this card can help. Here's everything you need to know about the Capital One Secured Card.
Capital One Secured Card Pros
- $0 annual fee
- Low minimum security deposit compared to similar secured cards
- Automatic credit line reviews after six months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Capital One's CreditWise tool.
Capital One Secured Card Cons
- Does not earn travel rewards or cash back
- Requires a security deposit of $49, $99, or $200
- No purchase protections or extended warranties
Related: A Beginner's Guide to Building a Credit Card Application Strategy
Capital One Secured Card Benefits
Secured credit cards help cardholders build or rebuild credit. Although the Capital One Secured Card does not offer rewards or purchase protection benefits like a typical rewards credit card, it can help you raise your credit score to qualify for other cards in the future.
Here's how the Capital One Secured Card can help you build credit:
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Capital One reports responsible use of this card with monthly payments of at least the minimum amount due to all three credit bureaus. Continued responsible use of the card can help increase your credit score.
Related: How To Check Your Credit Score for Free
No hidden fees
Capital One advertises that the Capital One Secured Card does not have hidden fees. The card doesn't have an annual fee or charge foreign transaction fees, so it's an acceptable card to use when traveling abroad. In addition, you can add and monitor authorized users at no cost.
However, you should not take “no hidden fees” to mean that the card does not have fees. It does. Fees for balance transfers and late payments are appended to the top of the application terms. Keep this in mind to ensure you use the card responsibly.
Automatic credit line reviews
Six months after opening your account, you may be eligible for a credit limit increase after Capital One reviews your account. This can boost your credit score by lowering your credit utilization, or how much of your available credit you're using.
Refundable security deposit
Responsible use can result in a refund of the security deposit and even the eligibility to upgrade to an unsecured card, such as the Capital One Platinum.
Access to CreditWise
The Capital One Secured Card gives you access to CreditWise, a handy tool from Capital One that lets you monitor your credit score. CreditWise also offers tips on how to boost your score and strengthen your credit. Plus, the card offers $0 fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen, and Capital One will send you an emergency replacement card, too.
Discounts at Capital One Cafes
If you visit a Capital One Cafe, you can get 50% off a handcrafted beverage simply by having the Capital One Secured Card.
Capital One Secured Card Welcome Offer
The Capital One Secured Card does not have a welcome offer. Generally speaking, secured cards don't typically offer sign-up bonuses or additional rewards.
Capital One Secured Card Earning Rates
The Capital One Secured Card does not earn rewards. This isn't a card that you should consider if you're trying to earn cash back or travel rewards.
Redeeming Rewards With the Capital One Secured Card
The Capital One Secured Card is not a rewards card, so there are no rewards you can earn or redeem. Instead, it is intended to help establish or repair credit for those with a limited credit history or bad credit score. This card can be a bridge to help you improve your credit score and qualify for more lucrative cards in the future.
Application Restrictions
The Capital One Secured Card is a credit card for those with limited or damaged credit. However, Capital One still has application rules and restrictions you should know about.
- Frequency: You can only apply for one Capital One card every six months, including business and personal cards. This is a hard rule, and Capital One does not make exceptions.
- Number of cards: Most reports say Capital One only allows you to hold up to five personal cards. However, you're typically limited to two “starter cards.”
- Inquiries: Capital One is notorious for being very sensitive to many inquiries. Even those with excellent credit are often denied credit by Capital One because of too many recent applications. You'll need to take this into account even if you're applying for a secured card.
Luckily, there is no hard pull on your credit to see if you are prequalified to get the Capital One Secured Card. If you are not eligible for the card, wait a few months (six months with no applications is what Capital One is looking for) and work on paying your current bills or debt obligations on time to increase your credit score.
Related: Does Adding a Credit Card Improve Your Credit Score?
Cards That Compete With the Capital One Secured Card
The Capital One Secured Card is one of several secured credit cards. If you like what you see but aren't sure if it aligns fully with your credit goals, here are three other options worth considering:
- If you want a secured card but aren't sure if you qualify for the Capital One Secured Card given Capital One's onerous application restrictions, check out the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card. Better yet, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured earns rewards. It offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs — on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. You'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- If you prefer to acquire a secured card through Capital One but want to earn rewards, look into the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. It also has no annual fee and requires a refundable $200 minimum refundable security deposit, potentially allowing an upgrade to the unsecured version of the card with responsible use.
- If your credit is good enough not to require a secured card, consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. The no-annual-fee Capital One Savor Cash earns cash back on a wide variety of purchase categories and carries a sign-up bonus for new applicants. It's a rewarding card for once you're ready to move on from secured credit cards. Learn more in our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Card.
- 8% cash back on purchases made via the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% cash back on dining and entertainment
- 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 3% on popular streaming services
- 1% on all other purchases
Related: This Month’s Best Rewards Card Offers
Bottom Line
The Capital One Secured Card is an excellent choice if you need to establish your credit profile or repair damaged credit. It can help you meet your credit goals with built-in tools like free credit monitoring, automatic credit line reviews, and no annual fee, though it's worth reiterating that it doesn't earn cash back or travel rewards of any kind.
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